Canada’s Immigration Direction Under Mark Carney: Stability, Selectivity & Strategy

At Akrami & Associates, we’ve seen immigration policy evolve with every administration, but the latest signal from Prime Minister Mark Carney brings a particularly sharp turn in tone. In his recent mandate letter to the cabinet, Carney outlined his top priorities for the country, and immigration made the shortlist, just not in the way some might expect.

So, what exactly is changing? Two clear objectives are emerging:
1. Returning immigration to sustainable levels.
2. Targeting global talent to support economic growth.

Let’s unpack what that means, for immigrants, businesses, and Canada’s future.

Sustainability First: The Push to Scale Back

In the past few years, Canada has welcomed record numbers of newcomers. But as housing prices climbed, public services became strained, and affordability slipped, even longtime supporters of immigration began to ask tough questions.

Carney’s mandate letter confirms that Ottawa plans to cool things down. And this isn’t a vague intention, it’s a clear directive.

The government is aiming to stabilize permanent resident admissions at under 1% of the total population annually beyond 2027.

That means Canada’s permanent resident targets for the next three years are intentionally dropping:

395,000 in 2025

380,000 in 2026

365,000 in 2027

These targets are already embedded in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, published back in October 2024. The message is unmistakable: Canada is prioritizing manageable growth.

This shift echoes the platform Carney’s Liberals ran on, acknowledging that the immigration boom, while economically motivated, has had side effects that can no longer be ignored.

Quality Over Quantity: A Strategic Talent Hunt

Still, this isn’t a retreat from immigration. It’s a recalibration.

While overall numbers will fall, the focus on economic-class immigrants and skilled global talent is intensifying. Carney emphasized the importance of drawing in the best and brightest to strengthen Canada’s competitive edge, particularly in critical sectors like technology, infrastructure, and healthcare.

To support this, the Liberals are revamping the Global Skills Strategy (GSS), a fast-track work permit program that helps Canadian companies bring in skilled foreign workers in as little as two weeks.

And it doesn’t stop there. New proposals from the Liberal platform include:

• Expanding pathways for entrepreneurs and high-growth startups to bring in specialized talent.
• Targeting skilled professionals from the U.S. is a strategic move, given current American immigration challenges.
• Accelerating foreign credential recognition, so professionals like engineers, nurses, and IT specialists can integrate faster into the workforce.

If you’re a foreign professional with experience, especially in regulated occupations, this could be a game-changer.

A Legacy of Tighter Controls

These changes didn’t come out of nowhere. They’re part of a longer trend that began under former Immigration Minister Marc Miller toward the end of Justin Trudeau’s government.

Miller introduced a wide range of policy measures aimed at addressing affordability, housing shortages, and labor mismatches, including:

• Capping new study permits to reduce pressure on the housing market and education infrastructure.
• Reducing low-wage LMIA applications in cities with high unemployment.
• Limiting Open Work Permits (OWPs) for family members of temporary residents.
• Reforming the Express Entry system, including removing arranged employment points and tightening eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Creating new PR streams for workers in construction and skilled trades.

Carney is picking up where Miller left off but with more central coordination across the entire cabinet.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada, or if you’re already here and looking to transition to permanent residence,you need to be strategic.

Here’s our advice:

• Check your eligibility under the latest Express Entry rules. With arranged employment points eliminated and a greater emphasis on in-Canada candidates, the landscape has shifted.
• Watch for new targeted PR streams. Especially if you work in trades, tech, or construction.
• If you’re an international student or worker, review the updated rules around study permits and PGWPs. Many applicants are no longer eligible under the new criteria.
• Employers should explore the GSS program, particularly if hiring foreign tech talent or senior-level professionals.
• Credential recognition is finally being taken seriously. If you’ve been stuck in a credentialing backlog, you may soon see progress.

A Turning Point in Canadian Immigration

Immigration remains one of Canada’s most important nation-building tools,but the conversation is shifting from “how many” to “who” and “how.” With economic resilience, infrastructure, and housing capacity now front and center, policy is becoming more selective and deliberate.

At Akrami & Associates, we’re closely tracking these developments so our clients can make informed, strategic decisions. Whether you’re a skilled professional seeking a fast-track path to Canada or a temporary resident exploring your next move, now is the time to reassess your options.

Let us help you navigate this changing landscape with clarity and confidence.

There’s always a way,and we’ll help you find it.